Anselmians Select vs Redcourt School

Saturday 14 November was an important day for Anselmians Rugby Club; an U10 / 11 select team played Redcourt school in a 12 a – side fixture.

This match was played as a curtain raiser to the 1st XV game and was watched and enjoyed by a big crowd.

This was the first ever game for the Redcourt boys although a number of them had had match experience from playing at Anselmians and this fact also added some extra spice into the contest.

Although the game was a friendly both sides certainly took it seriously.

The match was to be played in 4 quarters to give both teams plenty of time for substitutions.

Redcourt kicked – off but Anselmians started brighter with Ewan & Isabel in the van. However, Redcourt showed the benefit of pace and direct running and opened the scoring with a finely worked try. Saints quickly responded with an equaliser from Ewan. Again the great pace of Redcourt was to the fore as they scored a try of quality to take the lead again. Again Saints came back and levelled the score before Redcourt again went further ahead only to be pegged back once more by Anselmians. The first quarter finished 3 –3, a good reflection of the game. Jack and Isabel scored the 2nd and 3rd tries.

The 2nd quarter started in the same vein as the first with Anselmians having the bulk of the possession but Redcourt having the greater cutting edge. Redcourt scored 2 well deserved tries in this quarter and defended very resolutely to shut out Anselmians. At half – time Redcourt lead 5 – 3.

The 3rd quarter belonged to Owen who having moved to scrum – half managed to cross the line twice to bring the scores back level. As the players became more tired and a bit more anxious about the final result the game became increasingly scrappy.

Anselmians scored a good try form Charlie early in the 4th quarter and despite pressure from Redcourt held out to take the match 6 tries to 5.

Both sides seemed to enjoy the game and it was an even and well - fought game. Much credit must go to Redcourt for their effort in their first ever match. Mention must also be made of Matt, Jack and Adam who contributed significantly to the Anselmians effort despite being much younger than every other player on the pitch.